Author: GizNews

  • Start 2024 with Epic’s Free Games! Grab Today’s Free Game Today!

    Start 2024 with Epic’s Free Games! Grab Today’s Free Game Today!

    A Plague Tale: Innocence Free on Epic Games Store

    Epic Games Store, the biggest competitor of Steam, continues to give away free games to its users. As you know, the company usually offers one or two free games every Thursday, but for the new year, they have something special planned. To bid farewell to 2023 in a beautiful way, Epic will be giving away 17 free games until January 4. While the identities of these mysterious games remain unknown, today’s free game is A Plague Tale: Innocence. Here are the details…

    Epic Games Store Continues New Year’s Gifts

    Epic Games Store continues its New Year’s gifts at full speed. After gifting ’20 Minutes Till Dawn’ yesterday, the platform is now offering ‘A Plague Tale: Innocence’ today. Released in 2019, the game, developed by a relatively small studio, stands out as one of the finest examples of the action adventure genre in recent years. Asobo Studio describes the game with the following statement:

    “Follow the grim tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history. Hunted by Inquisition soldiers and surrounded by unstoppable swarms of rats, they will come to know and trust each other.” You can view it and add it to your library by clicking here.

    System Requirements

    A Plague Tale: Innocence has the following system requirements:

    Minimum:

    • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 (3.3 GHz) or AMD FX-8320 (3.5 GHz)
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 470 (4GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 30 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: 30 FPS, 1920×1080 in Low settings

    Recommended:

    • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-6700K (4.0 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X (3.6 GHz)
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 55 GB available space
    • Additional Notes: 60 FPS, 1920×1080 in High settings

    List of Free Games

    Here is the list of free games that Epic Games Store will be giving away until January 3:

    • December 13 – Destiny 2: Legacy Collection
    • December 20 – DNF Duel
    • December 21 – Melvor Idle
    • December 22 – Art of Rally
    • December 23 – Fallout 3: GOTY Edition
    • December 24 – Ghostwire: Tokyo
    • December 25 – The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition
    • December 26 – Human Resource Machine
    • December 27 – Cursed to Golf
    • December 28 – Cat Quest
    • December 29 – Snakebird Complete
    • December 30 – Saints Row
    • December 31 – Ghostrunner
    • January 1 – Escape Academy
    • January 2 – 20 Minutes Till Dawn
    • January 3 – A Plague Tale: Innocence

    Don’t miss your chance to grab these free games from Epic Games Store and enjoy the holiday season!

  • Intense Rivalry Ignites in China’s Electric Vehicle Market as Li Auto, Nio, Xpeng, and Tesla Collide.

    Intense Rivalry Ignites in China’s Electric Vehicle Market as Li Auto, Nio, Xpeng, and Tesla Collide.

    Li Auto Sets Records

    Li Auto, a key player in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market, ended 2023 on a high note with impressive sales figures. For the week ending December 31, the company reported a milestone of 14,100 units sold, highlighting the increasing demand for their vehicles. The Li L7, L8, and L9 models collectively achieved 14,100 insurance registrations, indicating a strong consumer base for Li Auto.

    Nio and Xpeng Maintain Momentum

    Nio and Xpeng, two other major players in the Chinese EV market, also experienced success in December. Nio reported 5,700 insured registrations for the week ending December 31, contributing to a total of 17,700 units sold during the month. Xpeng, on the other hand, achieved a record-breaking 20,115 vehicle deliveries in December, marking the third consecutive month where they surpassed the 20,000-unit mark.

    Tesla Faces BYD Challenge

    While Tesla reported robust China-made EV sales of 94,139 units for December, the company faced a formidable challenge from BYD. In Q4, BYD emerged as the top global EV maker, surpassing Tesla with an impressive 944,779 new energy vehicles delivered. BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean lineup, which includes both EVs and petrol-electric hybrid models, played a significant role in the company’s success.

    Market Dynamics and Competitions

    The Chinese auto market, known as the world’s largest, remained dynamic throughout 2023. Tesla’s initiation of a price war had a significant impact on over 40 brands. However, the company faced strong competition from Chinese latecomers, signaling a shifting landscape. Notably, Xiaomi entered the EV market with aspirations to become a top-five automaker within the next 15 to 20 years, further intensifying the competition.

    Tesla’s Future Plans and Challenges

    Despite the challenges it faced, Tesla continues to be a key player in the Chinese EV market with ambitious plans for the future. The company’s acquisition of land in Shanghai for a megapack battery manufacturing plant demonstrates its commitment to expanding its EV capacity. However, progress on the megapack battery manufacturing plant has been slower than initially anticipated, pending regulatory approval.

    December 2023 showcased the vibrancy and competitiveness of China’s EV market, with BYD’s rise marking a significant shift in the global EV landscape. As established players and newcomers compete for market share, the stage is set for an exciting and transformative year ahead.

  • China Launches Rich Vision RS100 Pro eSports Monitor with 2K 240Hz Panel, Priced at 1899 Yuan ($266)

    China Launches Rich Vision RS100 Pro eSports Monitor with 2K 240Hz Panel, Priced at 1899 Yuan ($266)

    Rich Vision, a Chinese monitor manufacturer, has gained popularity as an affordable alternative to high-end displays. Their flagship product, the RV100 or "5K Fruity Screen," offers impressive 5K resolution and color accuracy at a more budget-friendly price point. While it does have some limitations, the RV100 is primarily targeted towards creative professionals. Rich Vision's emphasis on cost-effectiveness and eye-catching design has helped them gain traction, particularly in the Chinese market.

    Rich Vision RS100 Pro Specifications

    Recently, Rich Vision launched a new gaming monitor in the Chinese market called the RS100 Pro. Priced at 1899 Yuan ($266), let's take a closer look at its key specifications.

    Display

    The RS100 Pro features a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (2K). It boasts an impressive refresh rate of 240Hz, ensuring smooth motion for fast-paced gaming. Additionally, the monitor has a rapid 1ms response time to minimize motion blur and ghosting, which is crucial for quick reactions in gaming.

    Color Accuracy and Range

    In terms of color accuracy and range, the RS100 Pro excels. It supports 98% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB color gamuts. This wide color coverage, coupled with a peak brightness of 700 nits, delivers vibrant visuals suitable for both gaming and professional color work. The monitor also offers HDR capabilities, providing a broader brightness range and enhanced color depth for a more immersive and cinematic viewing experience.

    Connectivity and Features

    The RS100 Pro is equipped with multiple ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and a versatile USB-C interface that supports 90W reverse power delivery. This makes it convenient for connecting various devices and charging them simultaneously. Moreover, the monitor features dynamic Overdrive (OD) technology, which optimizes response speed and overshoot based on the current frame rate. This ensures a smooth gaming experience across different frame rates.

    Gaming Aesthetics and User-Friendly Menu

    Designed with gaming aesthetics in mind, the RS100 Pro features immersive RGB eSports lighting effects on the back. This creates a galaxy-like ambiance in the gaming environment. The monitor offers various lighting modes such as breathing, flowing lights, and soft gradual changes, enhancing the overall gaming atmosphere.

    In addition, the RS100 Pro provides a user-friendly menu tailored for "Apple fans," providing easy access to various gaming settings. It also incorporates low blue light and flicker-free technology, promoting comfortable extended gaming sessions.

    Dimensions and Weight

    The RS100 Pro measures 613.8 x 362.5 x 85 mm (excluding the stand) and weighs 6.6kg.

    Overall, the Rich Vision RS100 Pro gaming monitor offers impressive specifications at an affordable price point. With its high refresh rate, rapid response time, wide color coverage, and convenient connectivity options, it is a compelling choice for gamers and creative professionals alike.

  • Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable Leaving Xbox Game Pass

    It seems like GTA 5 just can’t stay out of the spotlight. First, its source codes were leaked online, and now, we have another unfortunate piece of news. Grand Theft Auto 5 and Persona 3 Portable are being removed from the Xbox Game Pass library. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

    Goodbye to GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable

    The Xbox Game Pass is known for introducing new games regularly, but it also bids farewell to beloved titles. Unfortunately, the latest casualties are GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable. GTA 5 has been a timeless classic for Xbox One series and Xbox Series S/X users since July 2023. However, in just two weeks, console gamers will have to pay to play this game. The price of Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox varies depending on the region and edition, ranging from $19.99 to $59.99.

    Persona 3 Portable, a beloved game among RPG fans, is also no longer available on the Xbox Game Pass. While GTA V had a broader appeal, Persona 3 Portable catered to a more specific audience. But there’s no need to panic just yet. We’ve seen GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass multiple times in the past. Given its immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding GTA 6, it’s highly likely that the game will make a comeback on the Game Pass soon.

    Xbox Game Pass Pricing

    For those interested in subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass, here are the pricing details for the US market as of January 3, 2024:

    • Game Pass Core: $9.99/month or $59.99/year. This tier provides access to over 250+ Game Pass games and online multiplayer in most games.
    • Game Pass Console: $10.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and allows you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your Xbox console.
    • Game Pass PC: $9.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and enables you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your PC.
    • Game Pass Ultimate: $16.99/month. This tier encompasses all the features of Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass PC. Additionally, it offers cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

    Conclusion

    As GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable bid farewell to the Xbox Game Pass, console gamers will have to find other means to enjoy these titles. However, considering the history of GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass, there’s a good chance that the game will return in the future. In the meantime, gamers can explore the vast library of games offered by the Xbox Game Pass and take advantage of the various pricing tiers available.

  • Exclusivity Makes POCO, iQOO, and Nothing the Popular Choices for Gen Z

    Exclusivity Makes POCO, iQOO, and Nothing the Popular Choices for Gen Z

    Generation Z and Their Preference for Brands

    According to the 'India GenZ Smartphone Brands 2023' report by TechArc, Generation Z, the demographic cohort aged between 18 and 25 years, considers brand to be an important factor when purchasing a new smartphone. The report reveals that 60 percent of the youth prefer the brand, while 40 percent attribute their preference to the product itself.

    The Influence of Brand on Gen Z Buyers

    TechArc's report highlights several key findings regarding Generation Z's perspective on brands. 80 percent of respondents believe that knowing the brand ensures a positive experience, while 73 percent feel that not all brands reflect their personality. Additionally, 69 percent of respondents consider their brand preference as a way to become part of an exclusive club or community. On the other hand, when it comes to the product, Gen Z customers prioritize specifications, pricing, and design as deciding factors.

    TechArc identifies POCO, iQOO, and Nothing as the top three smartphone brands that resonate with Generation Z. These brands offer exclusivity and are able to connect with the youth on a deeper level. POCO, iQOO, and Nothing achieve this at a brand level, while OnePlus and Realme succeed at a series level, specifically with the Nord and Narzo respectively. By creating youth-centric products, these brands are able to maintain their exclusivity. Xiaomi and Vivo have also found success by adopting sub-brands.

    The Right Mix of Products and Brand Elements

    In terms of brands that offer a combination of appealing products and strong brand elements, POCO emerges as the most popular choice among Generation Z. OPPO and OnePlus follow closely behind, ranking second and third respectively. Samsung and Apple secure the fourth and fifth positions.

    Overall, this report emphasizes the significance of brands for Generation Z when it comes to purchasing smartphones. Understanding the preferences and aspirations of this demographic cohort is crucial for smartphone manufacturers in order to capture their attention and loyalty.

  • Xpeng, a Chinese automaker, aims to commence large-scale production of flying cars by the fourth quarter of 2025.

    Xpeng, a Chinese automaker, aims to commence large-scale production of flying cars by the fourth quarter of 2025.

    XPeng Motors Collaborates to Bring XPeng Huitian Flying Car to Market

    XPeng Motors, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a major collaboration to introduce its XPeng Huitian Flying Car to the market. This groundbreaking project aims to redefine transportation by offering a modular flying vehicle capable of both road and air travel.

    Collaboration for Mass Production

    XPeng Motors has revealed a significant collaboration between Guangdong XPeng and Guangdong Huitian, both subsidiaries of XPeng Motors, through an announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This partnership, formalized on January 2, 2024, brings together Guangdong Huitian's expertise in the research and development of flying cars and Guangdong XPeng's proficiency in design and technical development.

    The Innovative Design of XPeng Huitian

    The XPeng Huitian Flying Car, also known as the "Land Aircraft Carrier," boasts a unique land-air integrated design. It features a detachable and recombining land and flying body. The land body, designed for road travel, can accommodate 4-5 passengers and is equipped with a hybrid power system. Its enhanced mobility is attributed to a three-axle six-wheel automotive design.

    On the other hand, the flying body is a fully electric, manned aircraft with vertical take-off capability. It is suitable for low-altitude flight and offers both manual and automatic driving modes. The flying body can be charged within the cabin, providing protection against environmental elements.

    Ambitious Timeline for Mass Production

    XPeng Huitian aims to achieve mass production of the XPeng Huitian Flying Car by the fourth quarter of 2025. Guangdong XPeng will play a crucial role in the final assembly of these innovative vehicles. This ambitious timeline underscores XPeng's commitment to bringing this revolutionary technology to the market at the earliest opportunity.

    Overcoming Challenges

    While XPeng Huitian's vision is promising, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and public safety concerns all pose significant obstacles. However, with its innovative design and determined partners, XPeng Huitian is paving the way for a future where flying cars become commonplace, transforming how we live, work, and travel.

  • Newly Launched in India: ViewSonic Omni FHD & 2K Gaming Monitors with Refresh Rates Up to 180Hz

    Newly Launched in India: ViewSonic Omni FHD & 2K Gaming Monitors with Refresh Rates Up to 180Hz

    ViewSonic Introduces New Gaming Monitors in India: Omni Series

    ViewSonic has recently launched a new range of gaming monitors in India as part of its Omni lineup. The collection includes the VX3219-2K-PRO-2, VX2758A-2K-PRO-2, and VX79 series-FHD, all designed to enhance the gaming and entertainment experience for users.

    Notable Models: VX2479-HD-PRO and VX2779-HD-PRO

    Two standout models in this series are the ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO and VX2779-HD-PRO. The VX2479-HD-PRO features a 24-inch 165Hz IPS Full HD display, while the VX2779-HD-PRO offers a 27-inch 180Hz IPS Full HD display. Both models share similar features, including an Anti-Glare Screen, 104% sRGB, HDR10 support, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms (MPRT) response time. They are also VESA Mount compatible for easy setup and support AMD Free Sync for improved graphics performance.

    Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 and Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2: Enhanced Gaming Experience

    The Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 and Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2 are designed to provide an enhanced gaming experience. The VX3219-2K-PRO-2 boasts a 32-inch IPS QHD 2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals with minimal input lag. On the other hand, the VX2758A-2K-PRO-2 features a 27-inch QHD IPS screen with a 170Hz refresh rate for responsive gaming.

    Equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium and a response time of less than 0.5 ms, these monitors ensure smooth graphics rendering. The exclusive ViewMode presets cater to different entertainment applications, optimizing screen performance for activities such as gaming, movie-watching, and editing.

    Additional Features and Eye Care Technologies

    The monitors in the Omni series also come with additional features to enhance the gaming and entertainment experience. These include HDR10, 137% sRGB, and variable refresh rate technology, providing gamers and entertainment enthusiasts with a wide range of options. Eye care technologies such as flicker-free and blue light filter contribute to a comfortable viewing experience.

    The Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO offers adjustable features like height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot for a customizable setup, allowing users to find their optimal viewing angle.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ViewSonic Omni series monitors are priced as follows in India:

    • ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO: Rs. 9,999
    • ViewSonic Omni VX2779-HD-PRO: Rs. 11,999
    • ViewSonic Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2: Rs. 19,499
    • ViewSonic Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2: Rs. 25,499

    These monitors will be available for purchase through popular online platforms such as Amazon.in and Flipkart, as well as various brick-and-mortar retail stores across India. Gamers and entertainment enthusiasts can conveniently access these monitors to enhance their gaming and entertainment setups.

  • China to See Release Date Announcement for Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Peach Fuzz

    China to See Release Date Announcement for Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Peach Fuzz

    Motorola Razr 40 Ultra in Peach Fuzz to be Released in China on January 11

    Motorola recently introduced the Razr 40 Ultra in Pantone’s color of the year 2024, known as Peach Fuzz. While the new variant of the phone quickly became available for purchase in Western markets, including the US, its release in other regions, such as India, is still pending. Now, the company has announced the official release date for the Peach Fuzz version in China.

    Release Date and Pricing

    Motorola has confirmed that the Razr 40 Ultra in Peach Fuzz will go on sale in China on January 11. However, the company has not yet disclosed the pricing details for this particular variant.

    For reference, the Viva Magenta variant of the handset, which features the 2023 Pantone color, is currently priced at ¥5,399. Therefore, it is expected that the newer Peach Fuzz option will be priced similarly in the region.

    Unchanged Specifications

    In terms of specifications, the Razr 40 Ultra remains unchanged. The device is already six months old, and its successor is likely to be released in a few months.

    The Razr 40 Ultra is a clamshell foldable smartphone that showcases a 6.9-inch 10-bit LTPO foldable display. The panel offers an FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness level of 1400 nits.

    The phone’s cover screen measures 3.6 inches and occupies almost half of the device’s back. This 10-bit panel features a resolution of 1056 x 1066 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness level of 1100 nits.

    Under the hood, the handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, coupled with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It also houses a 3,800mAh battery that supports 30W wired charging and 5W wireless charging.

    The device boasts a dual camera system, consisting of a 12MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide unit. On the front, it features a 32MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

    Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, and NFC capabilities.

    In conclusion, Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra in Peach Fuzz is set to make its debut in China on January 11. While pricing details have not been revealed, it is expected to be in line with the Viva Magenta variant. With its impressive specifications and unique foldable design, the Razr 40 Ultra continues to be a noteworthy choice for smartphone enthusiasts.

  • Leaked: Live Images of Honor Magic 6 Pro Purple Color Variant Before Launch

    Leaked: Live Images of Honor Magic 6 Pro Purple Color Variant Before Launch

    Honor Magic 6 Series Launch Dates Announced

    Honor has officially revealed the launch dates for its highly anticipated Honor Magic 6 series. The series, which includes the Honor Magic 6, Honor Magic 6 Porsche Design, and Honor Magic 6 Pro, will be unveiled during a two-day event in China from January 10th to January 11th. Currently, the smartphones are available for pre-reservations in China.

    Sneak Peek at the Honor Magic 6 Pro

    Ahead of the official launch, the Digital Chat station shared real-life images of the Honor Magic 6 Pro on Weibo. The device will be available in Green and Purple color variants, featuring a unique rear design with three camera sensors arranged in a triangular form, accompanied by an LED flash. On the right side of the device, users will find the volume and power buttons. The front of the smartphone boasts a curved display and a pill-shaped cutout for the dual selfie cameras.

    Impressive Features and Specifications

    Previous teasers of the Magic 6 Pro have confirmed a dual-LED flash, microphone, and a camera with 100x zoom capabilities. Reports suggest that the smartphone will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and run on MagicOS 8 software. Additionally, the Honor Magic 6 Pro supports 100W fast charging, as revealed on the 3C certification website.

    What to Expect

    On the front, the Honor Magic 6 Pro is expected to feature a 12MP ultrawide selfie camera and a time of flight (ToF) 3D camera for accurate face unlocking. As the official launch draws nearer, more details about the specifications of the device are expected to surface in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates on this highly anticipated smartphone series from Honor.

  • Asus ROG Strix 2024 Gaming Laptop Available for Pre-Order in China at $1,478

    Asus ROG Strix 2024 Gaming Laptop Available for Pre-Order in China at $1,478

    Asus ROG Strix 2024 Specifications

    The specifications of the ROG Strix 2024 showcase a 16-inch 2.5K Starry Cloud display adorned with a slim bezel. Boasting a high refresh rate of 240Hz, 500 nits of luminosity, and a complete DCI-P3 color spectrum, it offers a breathtaking gaming ambiance characterized by vivid hues and seamless gameplay.

    Impressive Performance

    Underneath its exterior, the ROG Strix 2024 houses a potent Intel 13th Gen Core i9-13980HX processor. This processor, drawing 140W, attains 135W in demanding single-core trials. Teamed up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, it ensures heightened gaming capabilities and multitasking efficiency.

    Effective Cooling and Battery Life

    Employing the Glacier Cooling Architecture 3.0, this laptop integrates three anti-dust fans, seven heat pipes, and 374 ice wing fins for advanced heat dissipation, maximizing performance during intense gaming marathons. Enhanced with second-generation Violent Bear liquid metal, it can manage a total power consumption of 195W effectively.

    In the realm of battery life, the ROG Strix 2024 comes equipped with a 90Wh battery supporting 100W Type-C PD fast charging, replenishing 50% of the battery within a mere 30 minutes.

    Enhanced Display Quality and Connectivity

    Asus has integrated various features to enhance display quality and user interaction. Dolby Vision, TÜV eye protection, and DC dimming collectively create a visually pleasing display while reducing eye strain during lengthy gaming sessions.

    Memory and storage configurations comprise 16GB of DDR5 RAM combined with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, with the freedom to expand the RAM up to 64GB.

    Connectivity options encompass two Type-C ports (one with DP1.4 and 100W fast charging capabilities, the other supporting Thunderbolt 4), two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port. WiFi 6E and HDMI 2.1 ensure rapid and reliable network and display connections.

    Design and User Interface

    Characterized by a triangular cut design featuring a U-shaped ghost light, the ROG Strix 2024 exudes a contemporary aesthetic. The full-size keyboard incorporating customizable shortcut keys further enriches the gaming ambiance.

    Zephyrus G14 Update

    Asus is gearing up to introduce an enhanced version of the Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop during CES 2024. This new model promises refined display features and design elements, enhancing the overall gaming experience for users.

    Conclusion

    The ROG Strix 2024 stands out as a premium gaming laptop offering outstanding performance and a diverse array of features tailored for an immersive gaming journey. Pre-orders are currently available in China in anticipation of its official release on January 9th.